Saturday, April 9, 2016

Portable Beaches

I have been creating portable beaches in Altoid tins for approximately five years. When I began, I sold them on Etsy,com for about $5.00 plus tax and shipping and made about a nickel on each. While living in Florida, I raised the cost of each to $10 plus tax and shipping and sold more of them.

Last summer an acquaintance at my church requested eight of them to be given as gifts to a group of hosts who were to be in Florida for a conference at a companion church. I made them and assume they were given as gifts along with other crafts, "made in America." I never heard from that person again as she quit her position and I did not go to the companion church. I hope the intended recieving persons liked the crafted tin.

Here are some photos of ones I have created in the past. With summer coming, I will be making a few more.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

I love teal, white, weathered blue and ocean waves. I love to sit early in the morning in my dining room, drink a beverage (sweet tea, iced vanilla latte coffee, or iced water) and watch my neighborhood awaken. Lately, I have been sleeping in. I cannot wait for my week to begin, but believe I will sit awhile and enjoy my Sunday afternoon off. The flowers outside are in full bloom. What a wonderful, restful day this is! God is good.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Thursday, July 4, 2013

I saw the idea in a children's book this past year when I was teaching Sunday School to K-5th graders. At the time I was looking for spy ideas to teach the children how to be Spies for God. But that's another story.

Take an empty Altoids type can and paint it inside and out. Since this was going to be my portable beach, I painted the inside of the tin and the outside of the lid blue. Then, I painted the outside base of the tin white to represent weather worn board and white sand. I covered the outside base with sea worthy sayings clear stickers from Michael's craft store. I also added two tiny shovels and shells to the outside decor. The top outside lid has a sea sticker on it "Rise and shine. It's beach walking time!"

Once the outside was finished I added white glue and white sand alternately until I had a good bit of "hardened" sand inside. I poked a hole in the sand mixture, cut the end of my parasol and added beach stuff. Now wherever I go, I can carry my beach with me - - or I can keep the tin on my desk at work when I am missing the ocean.